Page 98 of Drop Three

I’m disordered and extroverted, but that’s what I let others see from the outside. I’d like to think there’s more to me than that. I know there is. No matter how shiny and compelling we may look on the exterior, it’s the inner allure that matters—the part easily forgotten about and the least pursued.

“You’re quiet tonight.” Briggs politely interrupts my reflection.

“Am I? I’m sorry.”

He gives me a small smile as he casually caresses my leg. “Don’t apologize. I noticed, that’s all. Nothing wrong with it.”

My eyes find him sincerely. “I’m really glad you came with me tonight, Briggs.”

“You can call me Crew,” he tells me.

“Crew?”

Briggs laughs. “I mean…that is my name.”

“Okay, Crew. You’re right.” I smile.

“I like for people I care about to call me by my first name,” Crew says without thinking twice.

Oh.Why did my heart skip a beat, and I’m not sure in a good way?

Before I have a chance to respond, he speaks up, “You don’t have to say anything. I know we just started seeing each other, but I really like you, Navy. It helps that we’ve known each other for a while, but you have me really excited to see where this goes. And it’s been a long time since I’ve felt that way.”

What a declaration. Crew Briggs is aman.

“I like you, too. I know you probably have to choose wisely the people you get close to with Addie.”

He nods. “I do. She’s my entire world. I want to give her a family, but I’m hesitant. I saw a lot of fucked up shit growing up and I’d die before letting her experience half of it.”

“Can I ask what happened with Addie’s mom?”

“Of course.” He nods and the softness of his touch on my leg continues to relax me. “I wish I had some big story to tell, but it was a one-time thing. The year before Addie was born was a rough one for me. I had just gotten out of the major leagues and didn’t know what the hell I was going to do with my life. I struggled; let’s just say that. Got drunk, had a one-night stand, and boom—a baby. Changed my life.”

I can’t imagine how hard that must have been for Crew. Struggling with his personal things and then, add a surprise pregnancy to the mix.

A blessing and a shock at the same time.

“And now you have the most beautiful little girl to show for it.”

His smile fills his whole face like it does every time Addie is mentioned. “That I do. I’m a lucky man.”

“Hey, so listen, I know it’s sort of weird timing, but I wanted to see what you were doing in two?—”

“Briggsby! Get your ass in the pool before I drag you in myself!”

I don’t get the chance to finish before King cuts me off and storms in our direction, causing a bellowed laugh to escape Crew. “Dude, you gotta stop sneaking up on us like that.”

Great. Here comes my brother.

“Let’s go! The pool’s heated. Don’t tell me you can’t swim, Briggs,” Cal teases.

Crew looks at me curiously. I won’t tell him not to have fun with his friends—never. They’re my friends, too, and they’re a good time.

I throw a nod over my shoulder, encouraging him to go for it. “Go, have fun. I’m not going anywhere.”

A smile lights up his face as he gently sets my legs down and chastely kisses my cheek before diving headfirst into the pool. Fully clothed.

Men.I shake my head.

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